Since COVID, the remote work trend has exploded. Some organizations have had to adapt to operating under a new mode of operation, but teleworking cannot be improvised. New management practices are then required. Therefore, how can you ensure the well-being of your employees while working from home? So here are some tips to put in your manager toolbox:
SUGGEST 52/17:
When you work remotely, you experience fewer interruptions, and the employee is more productive. The pace of work is then no longer the same. Often, the employee focuses on his tasks for a longer period of time, but breaks are necessary. Many companies offer their employees to do 52/17: work 52 minutes continuously, then take a break of 17 minutes, it is proven that this would promote productivity.
PROVIDE ADAPTED OFFICE EQUIPMENT OR OFFER A TELEWORKING PROGRAM
Offering the employee ergonomic work tools from your office furniture supplier will prevent them from rushing to the first store that comes to buy a chair at a low price that would probably not be ergonomically suitable for the person. Also, plenty of other options are available for all budgets, from screen supports to adjustable tables.
ENSURE THAT TECHNOLOGICAL INFRASTRUCTURES ARE ADAPTED FOR TELEWORKING
Because nothing is more annoying and counterproductive than working on a server that is not very responsive or overloaded... Also, employees must be able to communicate well despite the distance.
Sometimes, the use of new technologies can destabilize more than one. The role of a manager is to lead by example, and to encourage his employees to face their discomfort, while being present to help them with the difficulties that may be encountered.
COMMUNICATE REGULARLY
Communication in this type of situation is delicate. It must be constant and transparent.
The ideal would be to set aside a special weekly time to call the employee, to check in on him (without necessarily talking about work, taking the pulse) and to make sure that everything is going well, in order to keep in touch, to keep people informed and to maintain the morale of the troops to maintain the morale of the troops to compensate for the daily meetings in the office, without falling into the spiral of micromanagement, of course.
Use a videoconferencing platform such as Teams, to replace the coffee machine, sharing groups and chat to maintain the link with your teams and highlight successes in team meetings (in virtual!).
Above all, don't hesitate to spice up your team meetings by injecting a bit of humor into them! In times of crisis, it doesn't hurt anyone. We can have fun, even virtually!
GIVE CLEAR AND REALISTIC GOALS
Until now, remote work was unknown to many employees. This type of work, which changes the usual routine for some, can lead to a feeling of stress and insecurity, which is why it is necessary to support them by providing them with clear objectives and deadlines. Achieved goals reinforce the employee's sense of accomplishment, and therefore, by the same token, stimulate engagement.
TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, AS A MANAGER AND AS A HUMAN
Talk to colleagues who have the same reality, ask for advice, and above all, don't forget to take care of yourself. This is a fundamental principle, so that our teams are healthy as well.
ENSURING THE GOOD PHYSICAL HEALTH OF EMPLOYEES
Working from home means a more sedentary lifestyle... Fewer stairs to climb, more long corridors to cross... on the other hand, why not take advantage of telephone discussions to take a short walk and stretch?
